Football Development Programme

The Football Development Programme is an elite Football Academy for aspiring footballers (male & female) that runs alongside your education. Our unique approach to it alongside a top team of staff gives you the opportunity to develop as a player while studying on a course at Wakefield College. The programme consists of a professionally designed bespoke football training programme including Strength & Conditioning sessions, recovery and performance analysis sessions, revolving around weekly fixtures in the ECFA National League, Schools FA Cup and showcase games against professional academies.

The courses available alongside the Football Development Programme are all sport courses – However some courses may have slightly limited access to training. You will study modules such as Coaching & Leadership, Anatomy, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology, Massage, Performance Analysis plus much more. You will also receive a football education designed by our UEFA and pro club coaches on developing skills, squad practices, different formations, how to break teams down and how to win.

The Football Development Programme is open to students aged 16 – 19 (male & female). Selection is through football trials during the spring and summer period. FDP players should be currently playing to a high standard relative to their age (former academy/top grassroots). You must of course meet the entry criteria for your full-time course as well.

Students can progress into university at Wakefield College University Centre (and carry on their Football Development) or other UK universities. They also have the opportunity to be selected for a soccer scholarship at a university in the USA. We work close with professional and recommended companies to ensure peace of mind and a quality of service when progressing.

Successful hard-working players could gain opportunities to play at a professional or semi-professional level. If you decide to carry on in education you can play a high standard of university sport, either in the UK or America. Players could also pursue employment in the sport industry (worth over £20 billion). These are all subject to the academic course of their choice.